Sundaram Posted January 11, 2013 Share Posted January 11, 2013 http://www.indianmotorcyclepride.com That ought to get some conversation started for sure. filo! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lschultz Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 I feel it. Indian is starting to roll. Look out Harley. I like it. Lets roll. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejburroughs Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 I would kill to be an Indian Dealer, but I do not have any sales or business experience 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sundaram Posted January 12, 2013 Author Share Posted January 12, 2013 Yeah Indian is about to split it wide open. I can feel it too. They just started running a pay per click campaign on search engines too. Polaris has had ppc campaigns running but indian just started. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 "We are as determined as ever to establish Indian Motorcycle as the premier motorcycle in the industry. We will not rest until we succeed." I like it. Oh, baby!!!! We may have to break out the crash cart for stu though....I think he may have a seizure. "The Indian Motorcycle brand will deliver a premium experience at every consumer touch point." "Indian Motorcycle is determined to deliver a premium experience to riders around the world." "Our store branding was developed directly from what consumers told us they expected when shopping for a premium motorcycle." "Our store layout and design will give customers a premium shopping experience that is consistent with their expectations." "Indian Motorcycle is looking for a select dealer business operator that will proudly represent our brand while assuring a premium buying and ownership experience for consumers." Sorry, stu, I just couldn't resist. Honestly though, I think they are going to market directly at current Harley owners, particularly the ones who are disgruntled, (and yes there are plenty of them...) and owners of metrics who are wanting an American bike, but aren't enamored with the Milwaukee Mothership. In order to do that, they have to be competitive with HD's price point. I think the new bikes will probably be priced a bit more expensive than Victory, and right into Harley's wheelhouse. That covers a lot of ground though. HD has bikes priced from $8K (883) to $37,599 (CVO Glide) At this stage, I don't see them going for the 883 crowd. I don't think there will be a 'starter bike', at least not yet. I think, just me personally, from what I am reading of their 'Vision' for the brand, that they are seeing Indian as a 'move-up' bike. Just speculating, but I just don't think that there'll be anything any less than $15K, at least not right now, and maybe not less than 20K, at least, not the Chief. Now, the Scout, I would guess, would be in the 15-20K range. After all, that's where Gilroy was pricing it, around 18K new. And I would also lay odds that they will also have some sort of "Indian Heritage" or "Springfield" or something like Harley's CVO division...and those puppies will not be cheap. Like HD, I bet they'd retail from $25-35K. The next few years are gonna be fun, guys. I have waited my whole life for this. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sundaram Posted January 12, 2013 Author Share Posted January 12, 2013 I am guessing the next 3 months are going to be a hell of a ride. There is an Aston Martin dealership right down the block from my house. I bet the new dealerships are gonna feel like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Potter7 Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 I wouldn't get my hopes up to much. I can't see a Dealership on every corner, not right now. We are in a very tough economy right now and it's going to get a lot tougher. High taxes and slow growth. I wish Indian the best but It's going to be a tough 5 years or so, unless the bikes are over the top in looks and performance. Reliability is a given. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indiantoo Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 They have to get rid of the stank (as some one sugested) that was generated when they went out, came back, went out came back ,went out came back.They will need revenue from sales and the hesitation from reliabitlity issues,price issues, and dealer network issues will make it a long process. I am a little gun shy and would not jump on the new ones until some history has been established or read this forum for a few years.It is going to be at least 10 years before Indian will be noticed as a serious,and viable manufacturer. I am reeeaaally looking forward to it and want them to be sucessful since i am already in the mix, and i am not getting giddy yet. Really interested in the progress, and want to see their vision. There is a very fine line between the wow theres an Indian factor and yeah ha-ha theres an Indian. I am not a downer type of person but just an causious person who already owns a piece of the history, and still smells the stank,( That is from the Gilroy debokle) but like to ride and not wrench. Do not know if i want to go through the process again of making a $20-$30k bike a rideable bike. I talk to people who are scooter trash and they didn't even know Indian was made anymore since 53. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 "We are as determined as ever to establish Indian Motorcycle as the premier motorcycle in the industry. We will not rest until we succeed." I like it. Oh, baby!!!! We may have to break out the crash cart for stu though....I think he may have a seizure. "The Indian Motorcycle brand will deliver a premium experience at every consumer touch point." "Indian Motorcycle is determined to deliver a premium experience to riders around the world." "Our store branding was developed directly from what consumers told us they expected when shopping for a premium motorcycle." "Our store layout and design will give customers a premium shopping experience that is consistent with their expectations." "Indian Motorcycle is looking for a select dealer business operator that will proudly represent our brand while assuring a premium buying and ownership experience for consumers." Sorry, stu, I just couldn't resist. Honestly though, I think they are going to market directly at current Harley owners, particularly the ones who are disgruntled, (and yes there are plenty of them...) and owners of metrics who are wanting an American bike, but aren't enamored with the Milwaukee Mothership. In order to do that, they have to be competitive with HD's price point. I think the new bikes will probably be priced a bit more expensive than Victory, and right into Harley's wheelhouse. That covers a lot of ground though. HD has bikes priced from $8K (883) to $37,599 (CVO Glide) At this stage, I don't see them going for the 883 crowd. I don't think there will be a 'starter bike', at least not yet. I think, just me personally, from what I am reading of their 'Vision' for the brand, that they are seeing Indian as a 'move-up' bike. Just speculating, but I just don't think that there'll be anything any less than $15K, at least not right now, and maybe not less than 20K, at least, not the Chief. Now, the Scout, I would guess, would be in the 15-20K range. After all, that's where Gilroy was pricing it, around 18K new. And I would also lay odds that they will also have some sort of "Indian Heritage" or "Springfield" or something like Harley's CVO division...and those puppies will not be cheap. Like HD, I bet they'd retail from $25-35K. The next few years are gonna be fun, guys. I have waited my whole life for this. Well Mark... no crash cart needed... I am all about Indian being the premier motorcycle in the industry..... and unlike you I don't think the way the steve's approached it was good for Indian... they did not make Indian a premier motorcycle.... just an expensive motorcycle.... I have been saying for years.... maybe you remember... they should be targeting harley... they should be stealing market share... but I also said they won't with $35 thousand dollar bike where they sell 150 - 200 a year.... bu IMHO Polaris will steal market share with an Indian that competes both price wise and reliability wise with Harley... and that is a huge difference from the KM company you were so enamored with... the one you kept telling me was the best thing since sliced bread.... so... my position has not changed... so no cart needed.... however, I see since you can change direction faster than the wind... you will not need one either... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 Went and did a google search of premium... here's what webster's thinks... 1 a : a reward or recompense for a particular act b : a sum over and above a regular price paid chiefly as an inducement or incentive c : a sum in advance of or in addition to the nominal value of something <bonds callable at a premium of six percent> d : something given free or at a reduced price with the purchase of a product or service 2 : the consideration paid for a contract of insurance 3 : a high value or a value in excess of that normally or usually expected <put a premium on accuracy> My thoughts are Polaris is going with 3..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blu Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 Blah Blah. premium-smemium. Dont care. If they build a touring bike that I like I am buying one. Iff that makes me a "premium" rider well so be it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
It is Baloon Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 Prefer to stay cautiously optimistic...as usual. There will always be, plenty of nice, older Indian's available for those who can not afford a new one. ride um 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longrider Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 Got to make damn sure to have a big dealers showroom wtf. I don't care if they sell them out of the back of a pickup truck as long as them service what they sell. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmaher Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 I do hope it is a somewhat limited dealership network (not one on every corner) and one that is both loyal to the brand and the customers. I want them to be successful, but I also would like the bike to stand out in the crowd, not "be" the crowd. Joe 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sundaram Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 What is SOP for a new dealership I wonder? How far out do you think announcements will be made for those new dealers?I am betting we see a killer Indian commercial on tv soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildhorse Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 For the what it's worth dept. we were at Strokers In Dallas last week-end and talked to Frank about if they were going to be a dealer or not. I guess they have gotten a little ahead of themselves as they a have a large war bonnet mural on the side of the building complete with Indian Motorcycle below. Frank told me that they might get to be a dealer because they didn't have a nice enough building. Strokers has an unbelievable number of people in there ever week end. Now I don't have sales or marketing experience but why wouldn't you want a place like that to market your product? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sundaram Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 Yeah I'm sure hopIng Austin gets one.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longrider Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Don't matter how many people are at strokers you gotta have a million dollar building to sell your tee shirts in..... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
It is Baloon Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I hope it all works out. But, even if these new bozos mess with The Grand Old Marque again there will still be someone else, with enough pocket change, to screw with it......... again. ride um Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildhorse Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Don't matter how many people are at strokers you gotta have a million dollar building to sell your tee shirts in..... Wonder what they are selling in Wichita now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Well Mark... no crash cart needed... I am all about Indian being the premier motorcycle in the industry..... and unlike you I don't think the way the steve's approached it was good for Indian... they did not make Indian a premier motorcycle.... just an expensive motorcycle.... I have been saying for years.... maybe you remember... they should be targeting harley... they should be stealing market share... but I also said they won't with $35 thousand dollar bike where they sell 150 - 200 a year.... bu IMHO Polaris will steal market share with an Indian that competes both price wise and reliability wise with Harley... and that is a huge difference from the KM company you were so enamored with... the one you kept telling me was the best thing since sliced bread.... so... my position has not changed... so no cart needed.... however, I see since you can change direction faster than the wind... you will not need one either... Not exactly, stu. First: I still think that if KM hadn't picked up Indian, then who was going to? (At least anyone who would have that would've made it a viable brand again, I should say...) No one with any real, serious capital was interested then, stu. Think about it. If Polaris had been seriously interested, then They would have gotten it...not Stellican. Stellican was at least adequately funded, or was anyway, until they ran into the shitty economy. But they never had the kind of capital Polaris controls. I have already heard from multiple sources that Polaris has spent more money on Indian in the last two years than they have expended on Victory in that brands entire existence. Think about that for a minute. So if Polaris had been seriously interested back then, outbidding Stellican for the IP would have been, for them, basically chump change. Second: You keep saying "$35,000 bikes...$35,000 bikes....$35,000 bikes...." like it's some kind of mantra. Plenty of people bought versions of KM bikes for around $25K...which is probably somewhere in the range the new bikes are going to be. Those "$35,000 bikes" were the top of the line. But if KM had been able to do what they wanted to do, they were already working on their version of the Scout, which would have been cheaper...in the 18-20K range. The economy tanking took the wind out of their sails much worse than they thought it would, I think. But who knew we would be in the biggest economic turndown since the Great Depression. Third: your definition of the word premium comes from a Webster's, not a business dictionary. Premium products or services, in the business sense, are not the same. Take a look at this. This is a sort of Venn Diagram, laying out the map of products in the marketplace, within the psychology of purchasing. It's sort of like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, transposed into consumerism, as in, buying stuff we want, versus stuff we need. It's called the 'waisted rectangle' (No, not WASTED....waisted, like a girls waist...). Down toward the bottom are the economy products, which are driven by need or low price. UP towards the top are the luxury products, which are driven by want and image. Brockhaus defines: "Premium [lat.-engl.] Designation for products (and services) which distinguish themselves from the competition through a noticeably higher level of quality (and higher price) but also through natural or artificial scarcity." At any rate, you and I have now had this running argument for what - four?, five years? To me, your hatred of the Steves blinds you to any good they did, and to you probably, my loyalty to Indian blinds me to any bad they did. As with most things, our individual truths probably lie somewhere in between. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Not exactly, stu. First: I still think that if KM hadn't picked up Indian, then who was going to? (At least anyone who would have that would've made it a viable brand again, I should say...) Well.. .we don't know... and was it really a viable brand, 4-500 bikes in 7 years of ownership is hardly viable.... Polaris may have just thought it was time.... No one with any real, serious capital was interested then, stu. Think about it. If Polaris had been seriously interested, then They would have gotten it...not Stellican. Stellican was at least adequately funded, or was anyway, until they ran into the shitty economy. But they never had the kind of capital Polaris controls. The steve's business plan was immune to a shitty economy... how many times were we told that... the elite would fall all over themselves to buy a $35,000 premiere motorcycle, hah said it again.... I have already heard from multiple sources that Polaris has spent more money on Indian in the last two years than they have expended on Victory in that brands entire existence. Think about that for a minute. So if Polaris had been seriously interested back then, outbidding Stellican for the IP would have been, for them, basically chump change. Second: You keep saying "$35,000 bikes...$35,000 bikes....$35,000 bikes...." like it's some kind of mantra. Plenty of people bought versions of KM bikes for around $25K...which is probably somewhere in the range the new bikes are going to be. Those "$35,000 bikes" were the top of the line. But if KM had been able to do what they wanted to do, they were already working on their version of the Scout, which would have been cheaper...in the 18-20K range. The economy tanking took the wind out of their sails much worse than they thought it would, I think. They couldn't sell them for the 35K they wanted..... shit.. you can still get some.... But who knew we would be in the biggest economic turndown since the Great Depression. Again... a change story.... the great business plan would be unaffected by the economy... those with money will still spend it... the elite will still purchase the premier product..... Hey... I don't believe it but it wasn't my plan..... and it didn't work Third: your definition of the word premium comes from a Webster's, not a business dictionary. Premium products or services, in the business sense, are not the same. I deleted your diagram... it was useless.... just like your business dictionary definition is useless.... the guys that will buy these bikes for the most part don't have a business dictionary, know, or care, what the fuck Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs means or care about how Brockhaus defines anything... a webster dictionary is about as good as it gets..... Take a look at this. This is a sort of Venn Diagram, laying out the map of products in the marketplace, within the psychology of purchasing. It's sort of like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, transposed into consumerism, as in, buying stuff we want, versus stuff we need. It's called the 'waisted rectangle' (No, not WASTED....waisted, like a girls waist...). Down toward the bottom are the economy products, which are driven by need or low price. UP towards the top are the luxury products, which are driven by want and image. Brockhaus defines: "Premium [lat.-engl.] Designation for products (and services) which distinguish themselves from the competition through a noticeably higher level of quality (and higher price) but also through natural or artificial scarcity." At any rate, you and I have now had this running argument for what - four?, five years? To me, your hatred of the Steves blinds you to any good they did, and to you probably, my loyalty to Indian blinds me to any bad they did. As with most things, our individual truths probably lie somewhere in between. My hatred of the steve's stems from my love of the brand.... they were fucking it up.... the premier target market is and was laughable... proven by the number of sales.... I stand by my version of premium and what I think Polaris will do.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Oh yeah, all that marketing shit is just so much hooey. That's why all those corporate fools spend all those millions and billions of dollars researching it, and stuff. Totally useless. My hatred of the steve's stems from my love of the brand.... they were fucking it up.... the premier target market is and was laughable... proven by the number of sales.... Gosh, I dunno stu. Harley seems to sell a whole shitload of $36,000 bikes every year. Those CVO fans vacuum up about 5 or 10 thousand of them every year... Or however many 'Limited Edition' versions of the 4 or 5 different models they are making that year of their (and I quote) "Premium Line of Motorcycles". Of course, KM never had the marketing machine HD has. I stand by my version of premium and what I think Polaris will do.... And maybe you are right, stu. We will see, for sure, in the next few years. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CKelly Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 For the what it's worth dept. we were at Strokers In Dallas last week-end and talked to Frank about if they were going to be a dealer or not. I guess they have gotten a little ahead of themselves as they a have a large war bonnet mural on the side of the building complete with Indian Motorcycle below. Frank told me that they might get to be a dealer because they didn't have a nice enough building. Strokers has an unbelievable number of people in there ever week end. Now I don't have sales or marketing experience but why wouldn't you want a place like that to market your product? And you didn't get a picture?????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hork Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Wonder what they are selling in Wichita now? Unfortunately for me, not a fucking thing. That's why my $35,000 motorcycle (homage to Stu & Dr. Mark ) is still in NODAK. Hork Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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